Re: 2001 Lexus RX 300 – $4400

Heres a second email I got after contacting a seller by the name of Tristan Morris about a Lexus RX 300 for sale on Craigslist in the San Diego area for $4400. For sure it’s a scam.

“Hi again,

At the moment I’m stationed at Nellis Air Force Base making final preparations before deploying to Kuwait. The vehicle is already at the shipping company, crated and ready to go. I had another customer who said it will buy and after I made all the necessary arrangements in advance and paid for all shipping & handling fees, changed his mind because he didn’t have all the money. This is why I need to ship it since all transportation charges have already been paid by me. Shipping may take anywhere maximum 5 business days depending on the destination. You will receive all documents with the vehicle.

Due to amount involved, I suggest using the security provided by eBay’s Vehicle Purchase Protection Program which will hold the cash. In my opinion this is the safest way to handle the transaction. You will have the car for inspection and test drive BEFORE any money is released to me.

You will receive all appropriate documents along with the vehicle. Naturally, I will sign all the documents so you can easily transfer the car into your name.

I presume you are not familiar with Ebay’s Protection Program, I have briefly described the transaction steps below:

1. The Seller will open the transaction
2. The buyer has to make the payment to ebay’s Financial Department and they will deposit the money into their escrow account.
3. eBay confirms to seller that the amount has been received.
4. Seller performs the required services (shipping, insurance).
5. Buyer accepts delivery and informs eBay to tell them if he is satisfied or not
6. SafeHarbor will release the money to the seller(in case the buyer is satisfied) and to the buyer(in case that he is not satisfied).

So, this is not a blind transaction, you can see the vehicle before committing to buy and to eliminate any concerns you will have 7 days to inspect it. If you reject it eBay will refund you the money, no questions asked, and shipping back will be my concern. I think this is more than fair for both of us.

The car will be shipped directly to your requested address, as soon as I will have the payment confirmation from eBay. EBay will hold the money until you will receive, inspect and accept the car.

I’ll start the official procedure, and eBay will contact you about this. If you are interested in buying it just mail me back with:

- Your Full Name and your ebay user ID(optional) – Required by eBay (You’ll receive important guidelines + instructions from them.)
- Your Shipping Address and Phone Number – Required by the Shipping company (They will call you with delivery/pickup instructions 1 day ahead so you can communicate what time works best for you to receive the vehicle)

Again I want to point out that because I am going to Kuwait this sale is my top priority and I am after a fast transaction, with no delays. That is why I decided to lower the price, to avoid wasting time with negotiations and find a buyer as soon as possible.

I will be waiting for your reply as soon as possible.

A1C Tristan Morris
USAF Nellis, AFB
57th MXS/MXMD
PMEL Journeyman”

Scam reported at FightTheScams.com